The Program

The San Diego County Sheriff's Department Explorer Program is a youth-oriented program. Its primary purpose is to provide, through actual experience, a means by which young adults engage in an opportunity to explore their interests and aptitudes in the field of law enforcement through on-the-job exposure. 

The Sheriff’s Explorer Post is composed of several units assigned to Sheriff’s Stations at North Coastal (Encinitas, Solana Beach, and Del Mar), Fallbrook, Imperial Beach, Lemon Grove, Rancho San Diego, Poway/Ramona, San Marcos, Santee, Vista, Valley Center, Julian, Campo and Alpine.

Goals

Encourage Positive Citizenship The program encourages desirable character traits, ethical conduct, sound morals, patriotism and respect for law and order so that the Explorers’ exemplary behavior might be emulated by their peers.

Active Participation by being involved in a positive community based program, the young person is able to occupy their spare time by providing worthwhile objectives to pursue.

Career Exploration The Sheriff’s Explorer Program provides young people in the community the opportunity to explore their interests and aptitudes in the field of law enforcement by on the job exposure to the Sheriff’s Department’s various duties.

Participant Requirements

Explorer candidates must meet rigid standards in order to qualify to participate in the program. During the application process a complete records and background check will be completed, including contacting personal references. To submit an application you should meet the following criteria:

• 16-20 years of age. Parent/Guardian approval must be obtained if under 18 years of age.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or a Lawfully Admitted Permanent Resident.
• Possess a High School Diploma or GED Certificate. If still in high school, must have a “C” average or better, and maintain it.
• Good physical condition.
• Vision must be 20/100 or better, correctable to 20/30 or better in each eye. Color vision must be normal. Hearing must be unimpaired.
• Good moral character. Conviction of a felony is disqualifying. A background investigation will be conducted.
• Possess the ability to clearly express thoughts in written and verbal form.
• Complete a condensed version of a Law Enforcement Academy specifically designed for youth.
• Be willing to contribute at least 20-hours per month to the Explorer Program.

Explorer Academies

There are two types of Law Enforcement Academies. One is an eight-day, summer live-in academy and the other academy is held during the school year, over five weekends. The training includes classes in criminal law, patrol procedures, report writing, and physical fitness.

Upon Academy graduation, the Explorer Cadet will earn the privilege to wear the badge and uniform of a Sheriff’s Deputy Explorer. In addition, Explorers will receive continuous professional training monthly in law enforcement related topics throughout their tenure in the program.

As a Deputy Explorer you will be assigned to one of the ten patrol stations throughout San Diego County: Fallbrook, Vista, Santee, San Marcos, Poway, Ramona, North Coastal, Rancho San Diego, Lakeside, Alpine, Imperial Beach or Valley Center.

Accept the Challenge

Hundreds of current law enforcement officers in San Diego County began their career as Sheriff’s Explorers. You are invited to become a part of the Exploring team.

Download the Explorer Program Application

Download the Explorer Program Flyer

If you have any trouble accessing the application, please e-mail sheriffexplorer2@sdsheriff.org. Completed applications should be submitted to the contact provided in the application material.

Written Correspondence:

San Diego Sheriff’s Department
Attn: Sheriff’s Personnel
P.O. Box 939062
San Diego, CA 92193-9062

For more information, e-mail Sheriff’s Personnel.

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